The first thing the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, should do is ditch all but one leader.
Former presidential candidate and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy has resigned As one of the co-chairs of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
US President Donald Trump was just hours into his second term when Ramaswamy announced his resignation, resulting in Elon Musk taking on the role of sole center of the advisory group to begin implementing cost-cutting measures.
A new chapter at Ohio State
It seems that Ramaswamy’s passing It represents the beginning of a new phase in his political life. He thanked DOGE for helping start the group and shared memories of his time there on social media on January 21.
He did not specify what his next step would be, but indicated that an announcement would be made soon.
It has been an honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I am confident that Elon and his team will succeed in simplifying government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we are doing everything we can to help President Trump Make America Great Again! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/f1YFZm8X13
– Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 20, 2025
Sources close to Ramaswamy revealed that he is preparing to run for governor in his home state, Ohio.
Nothing could be more timely, as Gov. Mike DeWine’s second and final term will end in early 2027. If Ramaswamy enters the race and wins, he could become a very important figure in Ohio politics and policy. Hence a rising star in the Republican Party.
Tensions within DOGE before its exit
Ramaswamy’s exit from DOGE may not have been entirely smooth. Rumors are spreading around Increased conflict Between Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, apparently over issues of priorities.
In December, he published a post on his social media account touching on aspects of American culture, which clearly did not sit well with Musk.
Even insiders have been described as such The working relationship is tense Because Musk feels that the fact that Ramaswamy is focused on DOGE and his political ambitions is too much to bear.
These tensions—combined with DOGE’s policy barring members from participating in political campaigns—made his resignation almost inevitable.
DOGE reducing ambitions
DOGE, which promised to reduce the federal budget by $2 trillion, was attacked for reducing the goal to $1 trillion.
Musk recently acknowledged the review, calling it a “realistic” goal, though it has raised questions about the group’s influence.
Donald Trump first introduced the Government Efficiency Administration last month, which appeared to be a subtle reference to Musk’s cryptocurrency of choice. Dogecoin.
turning point
Others saw Ramaswamy’s bid farewell to the DOGE as a deliberate move toward political office. Others saw it as a step backwards.
Ramaswamy still aims to “Make America Great Again,” especially with the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election looming.
Featured image from Bloomberg, chart from TradingView